Finding Joe A documentary film that explores the teachings of Joseph Campbell

Meet the Filmmaker

Hi, I’m Pat Solomon, producer and director of Finding Joe. For the past 12 years I have been directing commercials; you can check out my reel at newhousefilms.com. I started my career shooting action sports films: snowboarding, motocross and skateboarding, etc. Notable films include Totally Boardand Crusty Demons of Dirt. I started Finding Joe in February 2009 and, even though it’s not yet completed, it has been the best experience of my professional life by a mile.

Joseph Campbell’s work has influenced every major turning point in my life, including my decision to become a director. I owe my good fortune to the concepts and ideas that I discovered in his books. The Hero with a Thousand Faces put me on a path years ago that led me here, to my present film Finding Joe. One day in 2009 I saw The Power of Myth again and though I love that program I felt I could better understand the material if there was more visuals to help describe the concepts. Like story re-enactments or simple visual icons that related more to modern living. That was the “aha” moment.

I knew I had to make this film.

Joseph Campbell’s work has influenced every major turning point in my life.

This is not entirely a biography of Joe Campbell. It is an exploration of what all stories tell us about what it means to be human. The film will dive deep into what Campbell calls “The Heroes Journey”. What is it? and most importantly, what does it mean for me? It is a contemporary look at mythology and the lessons we can learn from stories: both ancient and modern.

For me, this film is the reason I became a director. My hope is that it will enrich the lives of others in the same way my life has been enriched.

President Obama personally requested a copy of Finding Joe. I don’t normally use this expression BUT… I swear to God!! My very good friend, Howell Caldwell, found me on the night of the Los Angeles premier and pulled me aside to say he had news regarding Akiva Goldman, who is in the film. I break […]

So, I had this grand idea that I would finish Finding Joe, have a small theatrical release followed by the DVD/ Digital release and then follow that with a really long vacation. I know, totally stupid. What was I thinking?

Joseph Campbell’s famous discovery, the hero’s journey, is thoroughly explored in the film Finding Joe. This documentary takes us on a magical journey through the human psyche and on to Joseph Campbell’s most important teaching of all: follow your bliss.